Oregon decriminalizes drugs

First in the nation to expand beyond Cannabis

Oregon decriminalizes drugs

Oregon is the first state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of all drugs including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Voters in the state approved Measure 110 on Wednesday, November 4th. People found possessing these drugs will have the option to either pay a maximum fine of $100 or go to a free recovery center.

Passing this measure means that Oregon residents will no longer be arrested or imprisoned for possessing small amounts of illegal substances. The ballot measure is not a law, meaning that a council needs to figure out the details before it is implemented. Fewer drug arrests will most likely reduce residents’ interactions with the criminal justice and legal systems.